Once you've seen and smelled the wine, it's time for the most exciting moment - tasting it. This is the most exciting part of blind tasting because this is where all your previous observations will be confirmed, rejected or added to.
When we finally take the first sip of wine, there are several factors that contribute to our overall perception of the taste. These include sweetness, acidity, tannin, alcohol and body.
Sweetness
Sweetness in wine refers to the residual sugar left after the fermentation process. Some wines, such as certain Rieslings, have a high level of residual sugar, while others, such as most Cabernet Sauvignons, have very little. It is important to note that the fruit aromas in a wine can create a perception of sweetness, even if the wine is technically dry.
Acid
Acid is a fundamental component of wine that contributes to its freshness and liveliness. High acidity can make a wine feel more light and crisp, while low acidity can make a wine feel richer and fuller. Acid also balances the wine's sweetness and helps preserve its natural freshness.
Tannin
Tannins are naturally occurring compounds in wine that give a feeling of bitterness and astringency. They come mainly from the grape's skin, stem and seeds, as well as from the wooden trunk if the wine has matured in oak barrels. Tannins contribute to the wine's structure and complexity and are particularly prominent in red wines.
Alcohol
Alcohol is the result of the fermentation process, where sugar in the grapes is converted into alcohol. The alcohol content of a wine can vary greatly. From around 5 per cent in some light, sweet wines to over 20 per cent. in some port wines. Alcohol contributes to the body of the wine and can give a feeling of warmth if it is high.
Body
The body of a wine refers to its weight and fullness in the mouth. This is often related to the alcohol content, as higher alcohol levels generally lead to a fuller wine. But other factors, such as residual sugar and tannins, can also contribute to the wine's body.
Understanding these different components and how they interact can help you become a more thoughtful wine taster. And remember, the most important thing is not to identify every shade, but to enjoy the experience and find out what you like yourself.
With Winetribe you can immerse yourself in the world of wine and improve your tasting skills. Our blind tasting app allows you to practice identifying sweetness, acidity, tannin, alcohol and body in different wines. So order our box, grab a glass of wine, download our app and get better at identifying the wine you drink!
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